Of all the fond and lofty thoughts associated with Shakespeare's plays, rarely do mannequin actors on rolly wheels, audience interaction, and two-character single-actor dialogue fit into the description. This performance of the "Merry Wives of Windsor," performed by the Rochester Shakespeare Players, is an abridged and more accessible adaptation intended for younger audiences (or anyone with a strong aversion to iambic pentameter). Through the use of clever costume design, the small cast is multiplied to cover a multitude of parts. Directed by T. Bohrer and Jillian Christensen and featuring a rousing performance by Patrick White as the portly knight John Falstaff, this show is kinetically and visually engaging performance with the flavor of sketch comedy.
"Merry Wives of Windsor" will be performed on Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4, at MuCCC, 142 Atlantic Avenue. 7:30 p.m. $6-$12. muccc.org; rochestercommunityplayers.org.